EX-DUCO Programme: When Students Become Teachers

At ESE Florence, learning transcends the physical boundaries of the classroom. Ex-Duco is a unique and innovative initiative where students step into a new paradigm: they become the teachers. Sharing what they are truly passionate about—from personal interests and creative skills to academic knowledge and professional expertise—students take center stage in their own educational journey.

This initiative is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Elio D’Anna, Founder and President of the European School of Economics. He views education as a profound process of self-discovery, responsibility, and inner growth. Within this vision, which sets our università privata apart from traditional academic institutions, students are never passive containers waiting to be filled with external information. They are individuals endowed with unique talents and predispositions.

At our business school, our mission is to help them bring these qualities out. The very word education comes from the Latin Ex-Duco, meaning “to lead out.” We guide students to transform their inner potential into tangible strengths that can be shared with the world. In this way, Ex-Duco is much more than a programme; it is a mindset that turns learning into pure expression, personal responsibility, and visionary leadership.

Learning That Comes to Life

Ex-Duco is not a traditional academic activity—it is a lived experience. It encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, speak confidently in front of others, and take full responsibility for guiding a group. In doing so, they naturally develop essential life and professional skills such as leadership, empathetic communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

Most importantly, they discover the power of teaching as one of the most effective ways to learn. This hands-on approach serves as the perfect complement to the rigorous lauree britanniche we offer, ensuring that academic theory is always balanced with practical, experiential growth.

A Space for Passion and Creativity

Across our international sedi, the Ex-Duco project has become a vibrant platform for students to express themselves and share what inspires them most. It enriches our standard academic corsi with diverse, student-led workshops:

• Wellbeing & Personal Growth: Meditation and yoga sessions led by students to cultivate inner stillness.
• Creativity & Arts: Energetic salsa dance sessions, music theory, piano lessons, and creative writing workshops.
• Innovation & Business Thinking: Design Thinking workshops and MBA-led explorations of the Metaverse.
• Communication & Leadership: Public speaking practice and dynamic debate sessions on pressing global topics.

From wellbeing to innovation, and from creativity to communication, every session reflects the immense diversity, talent, and energy of our student community.

More Than Learning: Finding Your Voice

Ex-Duco is about confidence. It is about discovering your true voice and realizing that everyone has something incredibly valuable to teach. By becoming teachers, our students grow not only academically but personally and professionally—developing the unshakeable mindset of future global leaders.

At ESE Florence, inspired by Elio D’Anna’s educational philosophy, we are immensely proud to see our students actively shaping their own learning experience and inspiring everyone around them.

Stay tuned for more stories from our Ex-Duco journey.